Asylum seekers are once again boarding the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset, over two months since they were evacuated due to an outbreak of legionella bacteria found in the vessel’s water supply. The move has sparked both protests and support, drawing attention from all corners of the UK.
The Bibby Stockholm, which can accommodate up to 500 men awaiting asylum application outcomes, has been at the heart of a controversial policy. While the UK government touts the use of such vessels as a cost-effective alternative to housing migrants in hotels, opponents have described the conditions as prison-like.
Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care 4 Calais, stated, “Following legal challenges, the government has made administrative changes to the transfer notices but the problems with the Bibby Stockholm are intractable and cannot be fixed.” Many asylum seekers have shared harrowing accounts of their time on the barge, likening the experience to detention.
The protesters, including groups like Just Stop Oil and Stand Up To Racism Dorset, temporarily blocked the coaches transporting the asylum seekers. Candy Udwin, of Stand Up To Racism Dorset, recounted some of the migrants’ sentiments, sharing, “They hate it, they say it feels like a prison, some hate being on the sea, they find it very difficult to leave and they are completely separated from the community.”
The barge has been moored at Portland Port since July
Despite the backlash, the UK government stands firm on its decision. Defending the barge’s usage, they emphasized that similar methods are being employed by European neighbors, providing better value for British taxpayers.
However, some migrants expressed genuine fear over returning to the barge. One asylum seeker disclosed to the Guardian, “I am worried and afraid. I do not want to go to the barge, but I don’t have the courage to disobey. I am literally helpless.” The sentiment resonates with many who have lived on the barge, emphasizing the restrictive nature and the detachment from community life.
Local groups have been stepping up to support the migrants. Members of the Portland Global Friendship Group prepared welcome packs, including essential toiletries and information about the local area. “We are a poor community but we are a really kind community and where the government fails, we will stand up,” remarked one of the group members.
Meanwhile, Mayor Carralyn Parkes voiced her concerns about the overall intent behind the Bibby Stockholm strategy. “The whole idea is to be as cruel as possible to deter people from claiming asylum,” she stated, but welcomed the asylum seekers to Portland.
Protesters from the group Stand Up To Racism Dorset gathered outside the gates for Portland Port on Thursday
Adding to the voices of support, the bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Stephen Lake, penned a letter promising a “humane” reception from locals. He invoked the image of Jesus as a refugee, emphasizing compassion and understanding for the current migrants.
However, not everyone was in favor of the barge’s return. Danny, a local resident, saw the barge as a necessary deterrent, arguing, “A five-star hotel isn’t a deterrent. And Portland is a safe place.”
This controversial move follows a High Court ruling in favor of the government, allowing the housing of asylum seekers on the ship. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks, as more migrants are scheduled to board the Bibby Stockholm.
